Two primary criteria for a wildness trip are encountering lots of rugged beauty while not encountering many people, rugged or otherwise. The rugged beauty of this trip is clear right from the start, with enormous views across an Esplanade platform dissected by the Colorado River and a plethora of tributaries.

Wending our way along the Esplanade, our route leads west around a bend to reveal a skyline dominated by towering Fishtail Mesa, our constant companion for the rest of the hike. Reaching the mesa requires negotiating the intricate maze of Fishtail Canyon’s arms. Hiking through the maze and around the Mesa will improve our proficiency in wilderness navigation, water management, and leave no trace travel. It will also provide us with the joy of spring flowers, hidden pools, intimate alcoves, trilling canyon wrens and star-filled, dark sky nights.

Prerequisite: An Introductory Wilderness Skills workshop (preferred), other Grand Canyon backpacks over four days, or other backpacking experience over four days that include off-trail hiking.